The calm and beauty of exceptional landscapes at the doorstep of high mountains.
LOCATION:
Briançon - Mont-Dauphin
DURATION:
6 days
PROGRAMME:
1ST DAY:
- Monday: From Briançon to Puy St André
Meet at 8.30am at Briançon station and begin with a visit to the citadel of Vauban. After arrival at the gite (B and B), visit to the organic farm at Puy Chalvin and tour of a mountain cheese shop.
"Gite altitude 1515 "- multi talented Jean-Luc Charton is your host for the evening: a mountain writer, mountain guide, organiser of treks in the Himalayas and keen local historian. Fascinating discussions await us.
Change in altitude: + 400 m / - 100 m.
2ND DAY:
- Tuesday: From Puy St André to Pelvoux (Le Sarret)
Introduction to the high mountain area with a climb to the "col de Vallouise"(Vallouise pass, 2394m) that will give us an insight into the grandeur of the massif.
"Gîte-Auberge de la Blanche": Karine and Laurent will welcome us to their charming home. These two former residents of Lille who emigrated to the heart of the mountains are the personification of kindness and Northern hospitality.
Change in altitude: + 900 m / - 1000 m.
3RD DAY: Wednesday: From Pelvoux to the “Col de La Pousterle." (Pousterle pass) (Make sure you take kit for 2 days)
Crossing of Vallouise and glimpse of the mountain architecture in this village of mountain guides and slate-roofed houses. Visit to the headquarters of the Ecrins National park. We then head off in the direction of Puy St Vincent before reaching the “Col de la Pousterle" (Pousterle pass) (1763m).
"The Col de la Pousterle mountain hut" with its unobstructed view of the Fournel Valley. Bernard Bonhomme will welcome us to his gite - mountain hut. Do not hesitate to approach this well-informed geologist.
Change in altitude: + 600 m / - 300 m.
4TH DAY:
- Thursday: From Col de La Pousterle to Freissinières.
Descent towards the base of the Vallon Valley, famous for its ancient silver mines and its Reine des Alpes natural reserve. The crossing of the Luazes pass allows us to enter into the valley of Freissinières giving us the chance to relive the epic tale of the Vaudois people who sought refuge here. Visit to the Ribe windmill, an ancient walnut oil windmill.
"Gite des 5 saisons". Julie and Laurent Siméoni will welcome us to their hostel in the hamlet of Ribes and with loving care will cook dishes including the best selection of regional produce.
Change in altitude: + 600 m / - 1000 m.
5TH DAY:
- Friday: From Freissinières to Réotier
Stage on the banks of the Durance River. Crossing of the mountainside villages and a look at the sundials which are a local speciality. At the cliffs at Ponteil we may be able to spot the Southern banded snake eagle, which eats snakes, or falcons nesting in the crevices.
"Gite de Pinfol": Martine Guarrigues will welcome us to her home with views of the valley of the Durance and Mount Dauphin.
Change in altitude: + 400 m / - 100 m.
6TH DAY:
- Saturday: From Réotier to Mont-Dauphin
Final stage and descent from hamlets to villages, down to the base of the mountainside. We pass by ancient formations and constructions in dry stone. A stop at the "petrifying fountain" is a must to admire this curious geological phenomenon before heading off in the direction of Place Forte de Mont-Dauphin. We will say goodbye at the end of the afternoon.
Change in altitude: + 100 m / - 500 m.
NB the data re change in altitude is only approximate.
EXPECTED MINIMUM/MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS:
4 minimum
PRICE:
€ 625 per person
THE FEE INCLUDES:
- The organisation and supervision of an official mountain guide. We advise you to take out personal insurance (civil responsibility and individual accident cover)
- Half-board accommodation in gites and mountain huts
- Luggage transportation
- Visits and tastings
- Pack lunches
THE FEE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
- Personal expenses
- Drinks
- Insurance, assistance
- Travel to and from the meeting point and tour end
- Generally anything that is not indicated above.
PERIOD OF AVAILABILITY OF THE OFFER:
- From Monday the 13th to Saturday the 18th June 2011
- From Monday the 20th to Saturday the 25th June 2011
- From Monday the 27th June to Saturday the 2nd July 2011
- From Monday the 29th of August to Saturday the 3rd September 2011
- From Monday the 5th to Saturday the 10th September 2011
FOR INFORMATION/BOOKINGS
Serge CINQUIN - Guides Ecrins Voyages
La Casse - 05290 VALLOUISE
PHONE: + 33 (0)4 92 23 32 29
E-MAIL: guides-ecrins@orange.fr
WEBSITE: guides-ecrins.com
